Chapter 4
Alternative, Judicial, and E-Dispute Resolution
Pretrial Litigation Process
Pleadings
Discovery
Dismissals and pretrial judgments
Settlement conference
Pleadings
Complaint – the document the plaintiff files with the court and serves on the defendant to initiate
a lawsuit
Summons – a court order directing the defendant to appear in court and answer
the complaint
Answer – the defendant’s written response to the plaintiff’s complaint that is filed with the court
and served on the plaintiff
Intervention and Consolidation
Intervention
The act of other parties to join as parties to an existing lawsuit
Consolidation
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